I've been a client of Zappy's for 25 years. I used to go with my Grandma and as I grew older I eventually went with my Mother and now my Wife.
I always loved the kind staff, the quality of the food and the courteous and accommodating owner.
Unfortunately, this is no longer the case.
The service was mediocre at best and the food took longer to arrive than it used to. I was not surprised that the price of the items on the "Specials" menu were raised (I assumed it was due to inflation and not the owners greed), nor by the mentioning of an extra 1$ being added for take out of any item on the "Specials" menu. What came to my surprise was that you would be charged an extra 1$ even if you sat down to eat, were unable to eat the entire meal and decided you would take the remainder home.
This is exactly what happened to my wife and I yesterday. After being informed by our waitress that there would be an additional 1$ charge I asked to see the owner (who was walking around greeting customers with a smile and welcoming gestures). She brought the menu back again (which I'm entirely familiar with) and pointed to the mention of there being an extra 1$ for take out of any item on the "Specials" menu. I told her that I was not illiterate and that it's pretty clear that it mentions an extra 1$ being added if you order from the "Specials" menu for immediate take out. It did not in any way say that this would apply if you eat in, are unable to finish your plate, and decide to take the remainder of your meal home. I must add that we had done this in the past and not once were we charged an extra dollar. I once again asked to speak to the manager. She left, spoke to him herself, apparently, only to return and tell me that it would be an extra 1$, no exceptions. I indicated to her that I would refuse to pay and proceeded to the door. This seemed to finally warrant the owners attention who ran angrily towards me hurling insults and asking me why I would refuse to pay. I was very clear in stating that I was a loyal and long time customer and that I would never be returning or recommending this place to anyone. He responded with an "I don't care if you never come back" and "I've never seen you here before". After 25 years of being a client and hundred's of visits I was left feeling like at the end of the day, money is all that mattered to him and not the customers satisfaction.
I paid, but I'll never be returning to Zappy's nor would I recommend this establishment to anyone who cares about respect or being viewed as more than just a big dollar sign. read more